Chinese Bentwood Roundback Armchair, c. 1850

Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditio...

Prior to the 10th century, Chinese society eschewed raised seats in favor of mats. The rising popularity of chairs and other forms of elevated seating led craftsmen to adapt traditional cabinetry and architecture techniques to the human body. In the case of this Yuanyi, or round chair, the flowing crestrail is a direct descendant of the simple armrests that had traditionally supported individuals on mats in their homes. This homage to an ancestral form, combined with traditional mortise-and-Tenon joinery techniques, created an elegant, functional chair that has endured for centuries and inspired many contemporary furniture designers...

Antique 18th Century Chinese Yoke-Back Armchair in Lacquered Pearwood. A stunning antique Chinese yoke-back armchair from the 18th century. A remarkable design - quintessentially Chinese and of monumental proportions. Should have been a chair for someone important. The design rooted in the Ming-style from several hundred years before this chair was created - showing straight and strict proportions combined with sculptural and flowing shapes all hand carved from solid wood. Remarkable to see a chair this 'boxy' could be so sculptural and dynamic in appearance. Also, this chair is quite comfortable to sit in. Whereas in Japan it was the custom to kneel on the floor or to squat on cushions, chairs were the rule in China from an early date - both for dining and relaxing. Chairs with arms were more honorific than those without and both kinds were for men - women sat on stools. The design of these antique Chinese chairs...

Chinese Huanghuali (Rosewood) Spindle Back Chair, Meiguiyi, 18th/19th Century A fine 19th century Chinese huali (rosewood) chair with spindle backsplat, woven cane seat, and wood ca...